Manny Machado has been on fire for the San Diego Padres this season. The star third baseman has been his usual excellent self in 2022, hitting with aplomb while holding his own on defense. It didn't come as a surprise, then when he was tabbed as the starter for the 2022 MLB All-Star game.

What fans don't realize, though, is that the Padres star was THIS close to being beat out by a certain slugger in St. Louis. Manny Machado won the starting role by earning 51% of the votes, but Nolan Arenado almost caught up to him. (via John Denton)

The fact that these two were THAT close in the race is a testament to how great they have been for their respective teams. Speaking to reporters after his selection, Machado heaped praise for the Padres fanbase for getting him over the hump and making him the starter for the National League. (via 97.3 The Fan)

Both Machado and Arenado are deserving candidates for the starting spot in the MLB All-Star Game. The Padres star is having an insane season from the batters' box, posting unreal batting splits (.390/.541/.932) for the team. Arenado isn't far behind, as he is also having one of the best seasons of his storied career.

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At the very least, it's almost certain that Arenado will still be playing in the MLB All-Star Game, albeit as a reserve. As for Manny Machado, the Padres star has continued his stellar performance with a masterclass against the Giants, including this home run he hit right as the voting window closed.